The name Cameroon was derived from the word Rio Dos Camaroes which actually means the river of prawns in 15th century by the Portugese. The capital of Cameroon is Yaounde.
It is surrounded by the Nigeria to the west, chad to the northeast, Central African Republic to the east and republic of Congo to the south. Etymology:
The history behind the present name of the Cameroon is exactly of the prawns and crayfish which are founded in the Wouri River by the portugese. In 19th century the adamawa emirate was established and the Cameroon was recognized as the “colony of the kamerun” by the German empire in 1884. History of Cameroon :
When the Germany was defeated in the world war-I then kamerun became a territory known as League of Nations mandate territory which further splitted into French camaroun and British Cameroon’s in 1919. In 1946 the League of Nations are converted into United Nation Trusteeships due to which a new issue of independence arises.
The Cameroon got independence on January 1, 1960 under the rule of the president Ahmadou Ahidjo and the federal republic of Cameroon was established on October 1, 1961.Ahidjo was unable to concentrate on his powers due to the wars with UPC and as a result he has to resign from his seat on November 4, 1982.
After that Paul Biya came into power but unfortunately he also unable to run the country in the same manner as Ahidjo did. In his rule economic crisis take place and it lasts upto 1990. Politics and government:
The country’s president has the right to command the forces, negotiate the treaties, and declare the state of emergency. After every seven years new president is to be selected by the voting system.
The legal system of the country depends on the French civil law. The first multipolitical party was formed in 1992.There are various newspapers in Cameroon out of which Censorship was very famous but the government suspends newspapers and not even granted licenses to the radio and televisions also.
Cameroon is the only country where two constitutions are run side-by-side. Geography:
The country Cameroon is twice the size of Orgeon. Due to the various climates and the vegetation tourists described Cameroon as “Africa in miniature”. Mount Cameroon is the highest mountain in the country. The main rivers of the country are Ntem, Nyong, Sanaga, and Wouri.
Currency:
Central African Franc. is the currency which is basically used in Cameroon and 1 Central African Franc is equal to 100 centimes. The people and tourists prefer traveler’s checks which are only accepted in Sterling and US Dollars. Economy:
Due to the various soils and climates mainly bananas, coffee, oil palms, rubber and tea. Bush meat is the Cameroonians prefer to eat daily. In Cameroon the transportation is also very difficult.
The major attraction of Cameroon are the three international airports which are located in Douala, Yaounde, and Garoua. The communications such as telephones, cell networks, radio and televisions are increasing day-by-day. Demographics:
About 18 million people are residing in Cameroon who speaks the Bantu and Semi-Bantu languages. The population is equally divided in the urban and rural areas but the density is high in the urban areas. In 1970 the Camfranglais which is a mixture of English, French, and pidgin languages are more popular in urban areas. Culture:
The Cameroon is famous for music and dance. Performers sung the songs with a harplike instrument. Ambasse bey of the coast, Assiko of the bassa, Mangambeu of the bangangte, and tsamassi of the bemileke are the popular music in Cameroon.
In 1970s and 1980s Manu Dibango, Francis, Bebey are some of the popular performers.
Fufu which is made up of maize, millet, potatoes, and rice and served with a sauce, soup and palm oil is common throughout the country. Meat and fish are also included in the diet. In drinks beer, soda and wine are popular.
For decorative and religious purposes woodcarvings and sculptures are common. Basket weaving, bead working, calabash carving, painting, embroidery and leather work are also popular. Films in Cameroon are based on African and European themes.
Canoe racing and wrestling are the traditional sports of Cameroon. The national football team of Cameroon is very popular as it won the gold medals and the four African cup of nations in 2000 Olympics. The team also wins the 1990 FIFA World Cup. |
